2026 Best General Education Schools
Looking for the best General Education programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 903 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 General Education Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
No school ranked higher than Claremont Graduate University this year in the United States. Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Northwestern University landed the #2 spot. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Typical General Education student debt is $16,616. More on Northwestern University
A rank of #3 makes Stanford University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University graduates 92% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Stanford University General Education students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Read the full report on Stanford University
The strong General Education programs at Bellevue University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 33% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Students borrow a median of $26,556 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full Bellevue University report
University Of Florida came in at #5 on this year's General Education ranking in the United States. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Texas Christian University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Texas Christian University graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,960 in student loans. More on Texas Christian University
Whitworth University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Whitworth University posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,880. Whitworth University General Education students take on a median of $26,051 in debt. Read the full report on Whitworth University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
University Of Washington Bothell Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based in Bothell, WA, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,919, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. Students borrow a median of $15,729 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on University Of Washington Bothell Campus
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #10 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $16,155. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Brown University did well this year, earning the #11 position. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Brown University graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Students borrow a median of $13,025 to complete their General Education program here. See the full Brown University profile
Gustavus Adolphus College landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Set in Saint Peter, MN, Gustavus Adolphus College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,076. The median General Education program debt is $26,197. Read more about Gustavus Adolphus College
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $15,729. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Harvard University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Harvard University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. See the full Harvard University profile
Campbell University placed #15 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $41,600 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $18,750. More on Campbell University
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus graduates 63% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Graduates carry a median of $15,729 in student loans. See the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus profile
Vanderbilt University placed #17 among General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Syracuse University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Get the full Syracuse University report
St Olaf College did well this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Northfield, MN, St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit institution. St Olaf College graduates 84% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,760. St Olaf College General Education students take on a median of $24,507 in debt. See the full St Olaf College profile
Marquette University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Marquette University posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Students borrow a median of $24,122 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on Marquette University
Saint Martins University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lacey, WA. Saint Martins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 52%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Students borrow a median of $22,818 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full Saint Martins University report
Johns Hopkins University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
California State University Sacramento landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. California State University Sacramento posts a six-year graduation rate of 56%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
Concordia College At Moorhead landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit school based in Moorhead, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $31,170. Students borrow a median of $26,637 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full Concordia College At Moorhead report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median General Education program debt is $14,238. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Rest of the Top 50 Best General Education Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
University Of Delaware landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $24,861. Read more about University Of Delaware
Saint Norbert College came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Located in De Pere, WI, Saint Norbert College is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Norbert College graduates 72% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,580. Graduates carry a median of $26,578 in student loans. More on Saint Norbert College
Auburn University did well this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Auburn University posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University General Education students take on a median of $22,803 in debt. Read more about Auburn University
Seattle Pacific University came in at #30 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. Typical General Education student debt is $25,000. Read more about Seattle Pacific University
University Of Puget Sound landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Puget Sound is a private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $62,898. University Of Puget Sound General Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Get the full University Of Puget Sound report
York College Pennsylvania ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. The median General Education program debt is $26,537. Get the full York College Pennsylvania report
University Of San Diego landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,486. The median General Education program debt is $23,795. Read more about University Of San Diego
Westminster College Pa came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Set in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. Westminster College Pa graduates 65% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,290. Graduates carry a median of $26,528 in student loans. See the full Westminster College Pa profile
Gonzaga University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. About 86% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Typical General Education student debt is $25,188. Get the full Gonzaga University report
Point Loma Nazarene University placed #36 among General Education schools in the United States. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Point Loma Nazarene University graduates 77% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Point Loma Nazarene University General Education students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
California State University San Marcos did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. California State University San Marcos posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,527 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
New York University did well this year, earning the #38 position. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. New York University posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. New York University General Education students take on a median of $21,375 in debt. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median General Education program debt is $20,778. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station General Education students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. California State Polytechnic University Pomona graduates 68% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical General Education student debt is $17,226. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #43 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Illinois Wesleyan University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, IL, Illinois Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,704. The median General Education program debt is $26,857. Read more about Illinois Wesleyan University
University Of Georgia came in at #45 in this year's ranking. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median General Education program debt is $21,792. Read more about University Of Georgia
Winona State University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Winona State University graduates 56% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. See the full Winona State University profile
Kansas State University placed #47 among General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical General Education student debt is $23,546. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Southwestern University came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Based in Georgetown, TX, Southwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southwestern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 73%. In-state tuition and fees average $53,613. Students borrow a median of $24,975 to complete their General Education program here. See the full Southwestern University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,113 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
California State University Long Beach placed #50 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. California State University Long Beach graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. The median General Education program debt is $15,671. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
Saint Marys College Of California came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit school based in Moraga, CA. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,803. Typical General Education student debt is $25,041. Get the full Saint Marys College Of California report
Best General Education Schools by Degree Level
See the best schools at each degree level:
- Best General Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 903 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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